Protective disposable hand covering

ABSTRACT

A protective disposable hand covering is disclosed. The protective disposable hand covering is in the general shape of the human hand. The protective disposable hand covering is comprised of one or more fabrics. The exterior may be treated to resist or repel liquids. The interior may be treated with a sanitizing agent. The wrist area may be elasticized and may have one or more tabs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of hand coverings. In particular, the present invention relates to a protective disposable glove or mitt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has been a long standing concern that continuous exposure to chemicals may cause skin rashes, allergic reactions and possible damage to internal organs. The most common point of exposure is the hands. For example, in the dispensing of gasoline it is common for a small amount of the fuel to transfer onto the pump hand of the person dispensing the fuel. This leaves an offensive odor which is difficult to remove. This residue may be damaging to the skin of the hand and may potentially be transferred to the facial area if the hand with the fuel residue touches the face. Furthermore, the presence of gasoline on a person's hand can be potentially dangerous if that person smokes.

Virtually none of the self-service gasoline stations provide cleaning materials at the pump for customers to clean their hands. This means that the gasoline residue remains on the customer's hands until the customer's hands are cleansed. A solution is needed to keep gas, kerosene, diesel fuel, dirt and grime from the hands of customers that handle gas pump nozzles, gas cap doors, gas caps, and payment devices located on gas pumps, which are frequently dirty and unsanitary.

Additionally, there is an increasing concern about the transfer of germs and bacteria by coming into contact with items commonly used by the public. This is especially true of the pump handles of self-service gasoline stations. Many people do not want to come into contact with certain objects, materials, etc. which are or give the appearance of being dirty and/or unsanitary. These objects and materials are dispersed throughout the world and are present in every aspect of daily human life. There is a long felt need to prevent contact with questionable objects and/or unsanitary materials or areas. Wet-wipes and similar products partially address this need, but are not convenient and are awkward to use in certain situations.

These and other problems exist. Previous attempts to solve these and other problems include the following.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,214,321, issued to Elie S. Nuwayser on Jul. 29, 1980, discloses a glove adapted for use with organic solvents and other chemicals. The glove is composed of a flexible multi-laminate sheet material in glove form, wherein the sheet material is composed of: an outer abrasion-resistant polymer layer, an integral essentially pin-hole-free aluminum-foil material, and an inner heat-sealable thermoplastic polymer material, the multi-laminate sheet material heat-sealed along the peripheral edges of the glove formed by the inner thermoplastic polymer layer to the opposite inner thermoplastic layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,240,157, issued to Russell E. Peters on Dec. 23, 1980, discloses a glove for vehicle operators to use in self-service gasoline stations during the dispensing of gasoline into the tank of the vehicle. The glove is designed for use on either a left or a right hand and has a wide entry opening making it easy to insert and/or remove the hand of the user. Both front and back surfaces of the glove are treated to resist gasoline. A clip is provided for securing the glove to a license plate or in a compartment during nonuse.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,251, issued to Alvin D. Jacobs on Feb. 24, 1987, discloses a glove-like waste disposal system comprised of a relatively thick, heat-insulating, flexible inner glove which is placed over the hand of a user. An outer glove is then placed over the inner glove, the outer glove being made of a thin, flexible, disposable material. In use, the waste material is picked up by the user whose hand is contained within the inner glove, the outer glove is peeled or stripped off to an inside-out pouch-forming configuration which contains the picked-up waste material therein, and the outer glove with the waste material therein is disposed. The inner glove is reusable, and serves to insulate the user's hand from the temperature and “feel” of the waste material. Absorbent layers may be attached to the inner (palm) or outer (back of hand) side of the outer flexible disposable glove to absorb moisture.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,635, issued to Duane W. Kinnear on May 24, 1988, discloses a glove made of blister pack material to be worn for self-service gasoline.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,682, issued to Thomas E. Herr and Susan H McCormick on Dec. 20, 1988, discloses a glove with a grommet in which is secured one end of a flexible electrically insulating cord, the other end of which is secured to a plastic clamp to be clamped about the dispensing hose or nozzle of a gasoline pump for use in the self-service dispensing of gasoline. The glove has an outer body of water-proof, gasoline-resistant and wear-resistant material and an inner liner of fabric material, between which may be disposed from one to three layers of thermally insulating material, depending upon the climate in which the glove is to be used. The glove is designed for use on either a right or left hand, and the cord attachment may be at either the wrist end or the finger end of the glove.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,918,755, issued to Duane W. Kinnear on Apr. 24, 1990, discloses a glove made of a sheet of foamed plastic bubbles of random sizes filled with air with the largest bubbles being of diameter much less than finger width which provides a cushioned gripping and thermal insulation useful in pumping self-service gasoline and handling frozen foods.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,160, issued to Rolando M. Cano on Jun. 4, 1991, discloses a protective, disposable hand covering or mitt having a tear line along at least a portion of the body thereof to provide controlled tearing and destruction of the glove to facilitate its removal. A mechanism such as a textured area, tab, hole, handle or the like may optionally be provided adjacent the tear line to assist in predictably tearing away the glove. The hand covering may be of plastic or paper or the like and should be of ambidextrous and somewhat oversized design, optionally with a flared cuff. Another optional feature is an inverted cuff to channel away any undesired liquid or other substance that may drip down the glove. Such hand coverings may find uses at self-service gasoline or fuel stations, in health care fields such as medicine and dentistry, in clean room manufacture, domestic cleaning and gardening and the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,503, issued to Gwendolyn I. O'Brien on Jun. 25, 1991, discloses an improved glove which forms part of a continuous roll of gloves which is particularly suitable for use with a dispensing machine. The machine dispenses one or a pair of the gloves off the roll for use by an individual at a gas station or vegetable section of a grocery store, or the like.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,582, issued to Warren L. Andrews and Georges N. Karam on Feb. 4, 1997, discloses a hand covering in the form of a glove which is water proof and provides protection against cutting, puncturing and lacerations as well as thermal insulation for protection against burning of the user's hand when grasping hot objects. A raised silicone pattern is formed on the palm portion of the glove to enhance the heat insulating and gripping abilities of the hand covering.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,846, issued to Kitty Turner-Antonsen on Nov. 11, 2003, discloses a glove for motorists to use when pumping gasoline at self-service stations. The glove is fabricated from light-weight, gasoline-impermeable material and is designed to be worn on either hand. The glove is made in many colors and is scented to compliment each color.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0116746, inventor Cathy D. Williams, published on Aug. 29, 2002, discloses a glove for pumping gasoline that includes an outer layer defining an exterior surface and an interior surface. The exterior surface is adapted for direct contact with objects exterior to the glove, and the interior surface is adapted to define a volume for receiving a hand. The glove is substantially leak-proof and defines a digits portion for covering substantially the fingers and the thumb of the hand and a palm portion for covering substantially the remainder of the hand. The glove is adapted to be partially reversible upon removal from the hand such that the digits portion is disposed substantially entirely within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion upon turning the interior surface outward so that gasoline disposed upon the digits portion is substantially disposed within the resulting volume defined by and interior to the palm portion.

While these patents, published patent application, and other previous methods have attempted to solve the above mentioned problems, none have utilized or disclosed a tabbed protective disposable hand covering utilizing a combination of blended solutions, as does the present invention.

Therefore, a need exists for a protective disposable hand covering with these attributes and functionalities. The protective disposable hand covering according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art. It can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for new and improved protective disposable hand covering which can be used commercially. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills these objectives.

The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor's acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the present invention. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventors' claimed invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a protective, disposable hand covering in the general shape of the human hand, with a thumb area and either with individual finger areas, e.g. a glove, or with one area for fingers, e.g. a mitt. In particular, the present invention relates to a protective disposable hand covering that is comprised of at least one fabric, elastics, various mixtures and coatings. This protective disposable hand covering covers all five fingers of a human hand. The inside of the glove is treated with at least one agent, e.g. a sanitizing agent, a fragrance agent, an aloe agent, a moisturizer agent, a vitamin E agent.

The gloves may be stored in a dispensing machine at each individual stall located near fuel pumps at a gas station. This would permit customers to retrieve a glove from the dispenser, remove any packaging and place the glove on the hand used for pumping gas. The gloved hand is then used to open the gas cover and to remove the gas cap. In this scenario, the use of the glove is to handle the gas nozzle before, during and after pumping gas. The glove is removed following completion of fueling and the uncovered hand is used to remove the glove and place it in a trash bin. A portion of the sanitizing agent remains on the hand which was gloved. The customer may rub both hands together so than the agent may be placed on both hands prior to re-entering the fueled vehicle.

The present invention is designed to provide superior protection to the user's hand by having an agent dispersed within the present invention. The present invention is targeted towards specific application at gas/service station pumps, tire air stations, gas station islands and the like. Furthermore, this invention may be used in infant child-care stations, household chores and other common areas to prevent contact with unsanitary items.

The agent used with the present invention may be comprised of an antimicrobial germicidal solution which functions as an antibacterial agent on the hands of the user.

The present invention may be used in the following environments:

-   -   self-service fueling stations where the hands of customers often         require sanitizing upon completion of the refueling process     -   tire air stations     -   baby changing stations in rest rooms     -   grocery stores (to prevent contact with grocery carts and/or         unsanitary consumables, such as can goods, handling of fresh         meat products or the like)

The present invention may be positioned for use as follows:

-   -   from a dispenser attached directly to a fuel pump     -   from a dispenser located in the fueling island to assist with         light auto repair (oil, water, transmission-brake fluid etc.     -   dispensed at the pump through a mechanical and/or automated         device or mechanism which provides the opportunity to pay and         have the gloved dispensed to the consumer with a credit or debit         card, as is often the procedure with the purchase of carwashes     -   attached to or dispensed from shopping carts to provide ease of         use for the consumer prior to obtaining a cart     -   attached convenient to a baby changing station

Additional features of the present invention may include:

-   -   an area reserved on the exterior of the glove for advertising     -   different colors, e.g. to indicate different uses or agents     -   imprinted logos for advertisement     -   an elasticized wrist band     -   a removal facilitating tab     -   operable to be used to complete household chores

The present invention may be fabricated through the use of paper, plastic, spandex, linen-like, neoprene, cotton and/or a combination of any of the aforementioned products or polymers or any other material which would facilitate the construction of the glove. The present invention may be designed to be ambidextrous and constructed in a manner and of a material which would allow the glove to receive the hand of many shapes and sizes. The present invention may also be constructed to fit a hand of a particular size.

The present invention may be designed with one to three layers of material with the innermost layer containing, or being impregnated with, a sanitizing agent composed of an antibacterial product. The outermost layer may consist of an agent that may make the glove impermeable to most fluids and/or create a temporary barrier between the hand of the user and any damp or wet objects.

The present invention may be constructed in such a manner as to impregnate the entire interior and exterior with an antibacterial agent. An alternate embodiment of the glove may be to construct it in a manner as to impregnate multiple or individual layers of the glove with an alcohol-free, hypo-allergenic sanitizing solution. In another embodiment the present invention may be constructed without the use of a sanitizing agent on one side. The present invention may be designed using a combination of a sanitizing agent and ingredients such as aloe, vitamin E or other type of moisturizing component. Some embodiments of the present invention may also contain an ingredient which would provide a scent or the present invention may be fabricated to be unscented.

One aspect of the present invention is that it may be used by mechanics to complete light duties such as tire repair.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be used by employees of after-market auto parts to assist employees with battery exchanges, wiper blade installation and the like.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be used in public restrooms which would prevent the end user from the need to wash hands after relieving themselves.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be used to create a barrier between a pet owner and a leash.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be used for handling of waste.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be used by baggage handlers and the like to minimize contact with groceries and carts.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it provides user with a comfortable, disposable alternative to latex gloves.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it provides an alternative to wet-wipes since the user's hand never comes into contact with the soiled or unsanitary object.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may specifically carry the logo or designated advertisements of various companies.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be dispensed from a cylindrical container or dispenser.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be individually wrapped and packaged.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be dispensed from a container much similar to the design of those used for baby wipes

Another aspect of the present invention is that containers housing the present invention may have varying quantities of gloves.

Another aspect of the present invention is that gloves may be packaged in bulk in a method which allows the container to be resealed (e.g. ZIPLOC)

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be dispensed from a pop up type container.

Another aspect of the present invention is that it may be designed with floral type logos or patterns.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be presented in more detail in the following specification of the invention and the accompanying figures, which illustrate by way of example the principles of the invention.

There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages and features of the invention are described with reference to exemplary embodiments, which are intended to explain and not to limit the invention, and are illustrated in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a protective disposable hand covering, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear plan view illustrating a protective disposable hand covering formed as a glove, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view illustrating a protective disposable hand covering formed as a mitt, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few preferred embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known operations have not been described in detail so not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, a perspective view of an embodiment of a protective disposable hand covering 1 is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective disposable hand covering 1 is comprised of fabric outer layer 10, fabric inner layer 20, first stitched area 30, second stitched area 40, and elastic wrist band 50. First agent 11 is preferably coated uniformly on fabric outer layer 10. Fabric inner layer 20 is saturated with second agent 21. First stitched area 30 creates an inseam between the fingers of protective disposable hand covering 1. Second stitched area 40 is disposed in the area enclosing the palm of protective disposable hand covering 1. At least one of removal tab 60 is disposed at the wrist area of disposable hand covering 1.

One embodiment of the present invention may be made as follows:

-   -   obtaining a cloth fabric     -   sewing it in such a manner as to form a glove that is composed         of 2 ply of the material     -   stitching the area between the exterior edges of each finger and         along the outside edge of the palm area     -   stitching in such a manner as to allow it to be of ambidextrous         design.     -   impregnating the interior layer of the glove with a         germicidal/antibacterial solution that includes aloe, vitamin E         or similar compositions     -   impregnating the outside layer of the glove with a leak-proofing         agent to provide limited protection from exposure to damp or wet         objects     -   adding a thin piece of elastic/rubber material between the         layers of the glove at the wrist section

Another embodiment of the present invention is made as follows:

-   -   obtaining 100% cotton material of a thickness between ½ mil to 3         mils.     -   forming a first layer and a second layer, with both layers         shaped for a glove, such that the total thickness of the glove         does not exceed 5 mils     -   adhering a leak-proofing agent on the first layer     -   saturating the second layer with a mixture containing a         germicidal agent with aloe and vitamin E     -   stitching the fingers between the individual inseams     -   stitching along the palm area.     -   stitching a small piece of rubber or elastic into the wrist area         to enable the securing of the glove to the wrist.     -   imprinting an area with a logo at the top of the glove in an         area located between the wrist and knuckles of the hand.

In the preferred embodiment the present invention is fabricated of 100% cotton material and is comprised of at least one ply of the material. The entire fabricated glove is then completely immersed in a germicide/antibacterial solution in order to impregnate the entire glove with the solution. The resulting glove is then packaged in a manner which ensures that the glove remains moist with the solution.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, many of the features and components described above in the context of a particular protective disposable hand covering configuration can be incorporated into other configurations in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except by the appended claims. 

1. A method of making a protective disposable hand covering comprising: a. obtaining a 100% cotton material of a thickness between ½ mil to 2.5 mils; b. forming a first layer and a second layer of the 100% cotton material, wherein the first layer has a first exterior side and a first interior side and the first layer is shaped to have a first wrist area, a first palm area having a plurality of first fingers extending from the first palm area, wherein the second layer has a second exterior side and a second interior side and the second layer is shaped to have a second wrist area, a second palm area having a plurality of second fingers extending from the second palm area; c. adhering a leak-proofing agent on the first exterior side and the second exterior side; d. saturating the first interior side and the second interior side with a mixture containing a agent comprised of a germicidal solution and a moisturizing solution; e. placing the first interior side on the second interior side such that the plurality of first fingers aligns with the plurality of second fingers; f. stitching the first fingers to the second fingers; g. stitching the first palm area to the second palm area to form a glove; h. stitching a small piece of rubber or elastic into the first wrist area and second wrist area to enable the securing of the glove to a wrist; and i. imprinting a logo on the first exterior side and the second exterior side.
 2. A method of making a protective disposable hand covering comprising: a. obtaining a cloth fabric; b. cutting the cloth fabric to form an ambidextrous two-ply glove having an exterior and an exterior edge; c. stitching the exterior edge of the ambidextrous two-ply glove such that an interior is formed with a wrist opening providing access to the interior; d. impregnating the interior with a first agent; e. impregnating the exterior with a second agent; and f. inserting an elastic material at the wrist opening.
 3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the first agent is comprised of at least one of an antibacterial solution, a fragrance solution, an aloe solution, a vitamin solution.
 4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second agent is comprised of a waterproofing solution.
 5. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second agent is comprised of a water resistant solution.
 6. A glove for use in protecting a human hand comprising: a body portion having an opening, a wrist band area and a plurality of finger portions extending from the body portion, the finger portions being positioned opposite the opening, the body portion and the finger portions being constructed of a first material having an exterior and an interior accessed by the opening, the body portion and the finger portions further being configured to generally conform to the shape of a human hand; a first agent saturated within the interior; and a second agent uniformly coated on the exterior.
 7. The glove as recited in claim 6, further comprising an elastic wrist band disposed within the wrist band area.
 8. The glove as recited in claim 7, wherein the second agent is selected from the group comprising waterproofing solutions and water resistant solutions.
 9. The glove as recited in claim 8, wherein the first agent is comprised of an antibacterial solution.
 10. The glove as recited in claim 9, wherein the first agent is further comprised of a moisturizing solution.
 11. The glove as recited in claim 10, wherein the moisturizing solution is an aloe solution.
 12. The glove as recited in claim 11, wherein the first agent is further comprised of a vitamin E solution.
 13. The glove as recited in claim 12, wherein the first agent is further comprised of a fragrance.
 14. The glove as recited in claim 13, further comprising a pull tab affixed to a portion of the wrist band area.
 15. The glove as recited in claim 14, further comprising a logo disposed on the exterior of the glove. 